5 Fixes Germany Must Make Before the 2014 World Cup

2014 World Cup Fixes For Germany

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Germany is still considered one of the top four teams heading to Brazil. However, they have played to two draws in their most recent friendly matches. There are some minor adjustments that can be made and a few are off the pitch issues. Many of these concerns will be coach Joachim Loew's responsibility.

5. Fans Need to Show More Confidence in the Team

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5. Fans Need to Show More Confidence in the Team

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The sentiment from fans of the DFB Team is one of disappointment. Bastian Schweinsteiger says it is in the nature of Germans to be pessimistic. Some of this may stem from Loew's mixed messages on his team's chances in the last month. However, fan support is a nice boost for the team and at least gives them a positive feeling.

4. Get Rid of Distractions

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4. Get Rid of Distractions

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This has been a tumultuous training camp. There was a car wreck for a Mercedes-Benz shoot that involved Benedikt Howedes and Julian Draxler with others getting hurt. Loew lost his drivers' license from too many speeding tickets. Kevin Grosskreutz supposedly urinated in a hotel lobby and then blacked out. The team needs focus.

3. Get Healthy

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3. Get Healthy

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Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm and Schweinsteiger worked out this week at the Bayern Munich grounds on individual training. They are not with the team and trying to get fit. Neuer's outlook is the worst of the three. Sami Khedira still looks to be off his game after a six-month absence. They have qualified backups, but Loew would prefer his first choice players.

2. Loew Needs to Send a Clear Message

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2. Loew Needs to Send a Clear Message

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As alluded to earlier, Loew has sent mixed messages about his team's chances. He may be saying something different behind closed doors, but the public sees confusion. He also should be telling his team what his plans are so they can focus. The back line could include players out of position, so he needs to tell those players their responsibility. There needs to be a hard line on tactics now.

1. Determine Central Attacker

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1. Determine Central Attacker

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This is a continuation of the last point. Loew is expected to go with the false nine and has some options in that role. Is it Thomas Mueller or Mario Goetze? Then there is Miroslav Klose who is on the brink of setting the World Cup scoring record. How will he play into the game plan? Obviously Loew doesn't need to discuss this with the world, but his team needs to know. The wingers need to know what their objective is once they get near the 18.